10 basics every woman should own

Just ten pieces. The ones that remain when you remove trends, impulse buys and occasion-only clothing. None are decorative — all are genuinely useful, all carry across seasons. Here's the list, with what actually matters when choosing each.

1. The white cotton shirt

Choose poplin or a crisp dry cotton. Slightly tailored at the bust, sleeves that reach the wrist, a collar that holds its shape. The white shirt pairs with absolutely everything — it's the piece that pays back the most per square metre of fabric.

2. The straight-leg raw denim

Straight cut, ankle-length hem, mid- or high-rise depending on body shape. Raw denim shapes itself to the body within a few weeks and patinas elegantly. Avoid heavy washes — they date jeans faster than you'd think.

3. The thick cotton white T-shirt

A heavy cotton (180-220 g/m2) that doesn't show through and keeps shape after washing. Slightly oversized, clean round neck. The white T-shirt gets replaced every twelve months at the most — it's the piece that ages worst.

4. The cashmere knit (crew or v-neck)

A 2-ply cashmere in beige, pearl grey or black. Avoid very pale tones that pill quickly. Hand-wash, dry flat, store folded. A good cashmere lasts ten years if you treat it like a coat, not like a T-shirt.

5. The fluid black dress

Mid-length, short or three-quarter sleeves, simple neckline. The black dress that works is the one you can wear to the office on Thursday and to dinner on Saturday without changing the jewellery. One piece, two registers.

6. The beige trench

Classic cut, length below the knee, tied belt rather than buckled. The trench is the jacket that saves the rainy days of April and October. The inner lining should be removable if possible — same piece, longer in-season life.

7. The black tailored blazer

A blazer in cool wool, full inner lining, two buttons. Dressy enough for a formal meeting, soft enough to wear over a pair of jeans. It's the piece that makes serious-looking an outfit that isn't necessarily so.

8. The fluid tailored trouser

Straight or slightly flared cut, high waist, length that covers the heel. Cool wool or a viscose blend for the drape. The tailored trouser is the full alternative to jeans on the days when you need a little more than that.

9. The leather flats (loafers or ballerinas)

A quality flat shoe, in smooth leather, with a leather or thin rubber sole. Pairs equally with jeans and a skirt. Investing in a good pair changes the silhouette more than buying a tenth pair of trainers.

10. The structured leather day bag

A daytime bag, medium size, short handles, in good-quality grained or smooth leather. Camel, black or cognac. Avoid shiny hardware which dates — favour discreet finishes (simple buckle, plain clasp).

These ten pieces don't form a complete wardrobe — they form its backbone. Everything else attaches itself: a colourful knit, a print, one trend piece per season. But these ten are the ones you replace rather than the ones you remove.